“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”— John 15:20
The Prussian king Frederick the Great was widely known as an agnostic. By contrast, General Von Zealand, one of his most trusted officers, was a devout Christian. So during a festive gathering one evening, the king began making crude jokes about Christ until everyone was rocking with laughter—all but Von Zealand, that is.
Finally, he arose and addressed the king:
“Sire, you know I have not feared death. I have fought and won 38 battles for you. I am an old man; I shall soon have to go into the presence of One greater than you, the mighty God who saved me from my sin, the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are blaspheming. I salute you, sire, as an old man who loves his Savior, on the edge of eternity.”
The room went silent, and with a trembling voice the king replied, “General Von Zealand, I beg your pardon.” And with that the party quietly ended.
Many people read that story and are overwhelmed with fear at the thought of taking such a stand. “What would people think of me?” they ask. But the truth is that while some might’ve looked down on the general, he very likely gained the respect of many more.
Standing for Christ will often lead to rejection. But even then, you will gain respect if you stay faithful to the end. Stay firm in your faith, and others will revere your faithfulness.
Prayer Challenge
Ask God to give you the strength to remain firm in your faith even when others look down on you.
Questions for thought
What do you think is the main reason some Christians cave into peer pressure and don’t stand for their faith?
How can you be more firm in your faith when others look down on you?